How Much Does Dental Crown Cost in Australia? (2026)

$1,500 – $2,500

National average range (2026) · ADA item 615

Cost by state

State	Low	Mid	High
NSW	$1,580	$2,100	$2,620
VIC	$1,540	$2,060	$2,580
QLD	$1,460	$1,940	$2,420
WA	$1,530	$2,040	$2,550
SA	$1,410	$1,880	$2,350
TAS	$1,380	$1,840	$2,300
ACT	$1,620	$2,160	$2,700
NT	$1,590	$2,120	$2,650

Prices are estimates based on ADA fee survey data. Actual costs may vary by practice.

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth. In Australia, a crown costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per tooth (ADA item 615), depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are most common for visible teeth, while porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and full metal crowns are used for back teeth where strength is critical. Same-day CEREC crowns, milled in the practice using digital scanning, are available at some clinics and eliminate the need for a temporary crown and second appointment. Crowns are typically needed after root canal treatment, to restore a badly broken tooth, or as part of a bridge. They last 10–20 years on average with proper care.

What affects the cost

Material. Full porcelain ($1,800–$2,500), zirconia ($1,800–$2,500), PFM ($1,500–$2,000), gold ($1,500–$2,200).
CEREC vs lab-made. Same-day CEREC crowns may cost slightly more but save a second appointment.
Tooth preparation. Extensive rebuilding of a broken-down tooth (core buildup) adds $200–$500.
Location of tooth. Front teeth require more aesthetic precision, which can increase the cost.
Temporary crown. Lab-made crowns require a temporary crown ($50–$150) while waiting for fabrication.

Does Medicare cover a dental crown?

Dental crowns are not covered by Medicare for adults or under the CDBS for children. Crowns are considered major dental and are only available through private treatment or, in limited cases, through public hospital dental departments for medical necessity.

Health insurance coverage

Crowns are classified as major dental with typical rebates of 40–60% and a 12-month waiting period. Annual major dental limits of $800–$1,500 may not cover the full cost of a crown in a single year. Some top-tier extras policies offer higher limits. Using a preferred provider can increase your rebate percentage.

Compare dental insurance options →

How to save on a dental crown

Ask your dentist about zirconia crowns — they’re strong, aesthetic, and often competitively priced.
If you need a crown after a root canal, consider splitting the two claims across calendar years for insurance.
Get quotes from 2–3 practices — crown fees vary significantly between dentists in the same area.
Look after your crown with good oral hygiene to maximise its lifespan and avoid costly replacements.

Common questions

How long does a dental crown last?

On average, 10–20 years. With excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups, many crowns last 25+ years. Avoiding hard foods and teeth grinding helps extend their life.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation. You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the crown is placed, which is normal.

What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?

A crown covers the entire tooth and is used for damaged or weakened teeth. A veneer covers only the front surface and is mainly cosmetic. Crowns are stronger but require more tooth preparation.

Can a crown fall off?

Crowns can occasionally come loose, usually after many years or due to decay underneath. If this happens, see your dentist promptly. The crown can often be re-cemented.

Is a gold crown better than porcelain?

Gold crowns are extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, making them excellent for back molars. Porcelain and zirconia look more natural and are preferred for visible teeth.

Find a dentist near you

Browse dental practices in Australia’s major cities:

Sydney, NSW Melbourne, VIC Brisbane, QLD Perth, WA Adelaide, SA Canberra, ACT Hobart, TAS